New Business Manager

Oliver James Associates Ltd.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A global life insurance provider is seeking a detail-oriented New Business Manager to lead their team in managing high-value insurance applications. This role involves overseeing operations, ensuring KYC/AML compliance, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience in life insurance operations and possess strong organizational and analytical skills.

Benefits

High-impact role with leadership exposure

Collaborative team culture valuing autonomy

Fast-track opportunity for leadership growth

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in life insurance operations or new business.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and KYC/AML protocols preferred.
• Experience in HNW or bespoke insurance products is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the New Business team.
• Oversee the full application lifecycle from enquiry to policy issuance.
• Conduct in-depth KYC reviews of broker memos.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Proactive

Stakeholder management

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a global life insurance provider specializing in bespoke, high-net-worth (HNW) solutions. Operating in a niche and fast-paced environment, they deliver tailored cross-border insurance products to support wealth planning and international employee benefits for UHNW individuals and corporations.

Role Summary

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented New Business Manager to lead the new business team and oversee end-to-end case management and KYC/AML compliance review processes for ultra-high-net-worth life insurance applications. This role is integral in ensuring operational excellence and aligning with the company's client-centric service model.

You will manage a lean, hands-on team handling low-volume but high-value cases (USD 20-50M per policy), while playing a pivotal role in the review and enhancement of broker-submitted memos, compliance readiness, and internal stakeholder coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management & Operations

• Lead and manage the New Business team (currently 1 staff with plans to expand).

• Oversee full application lifecycle from enquiry to policy issuance.

• Perform initial checks on applications for completeness and accuracy.

• Monitor and track each application, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution of pending items.

• Liaise directly with intermediaries, BDMs, and underwriters on application progress.

• Prepare weekly reports on new business activities and KPIs.

KYC & Compliance Review

• Conduct in-depth KYC reviews of broker memos - ensuring detailed justification for source of wealth/funds and corroborating evidence.

• Refine broker submissions in collaboration with BDMs and brokers to meet internal and group-level compliance standards.

• Package cases for compliance sign-off, acting as a first-line reviewer before formal compliance escalation.

• Maintain awareness of regulatory standards and internal due diligence policies (akin to private banking rigor).

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a central coordinator between brokers, business development, underwriting, and compliance.

• Provide clear, responsive communication and manage expectations across internal and external partners.

• Resolve documentation gaps and address broker queries professionally and efficiently.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Must-Have Attributes

• 5+ years of experience in life insurance operations or new business.

• Experience working in HNW or bespoke insurance products is a plus, but not mandatory.

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and KYC/AML protocols preferred.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills - able to manage complex cases and documentation.

• Highly proactive and independent, with the ability to take initiative and make decisions in a small team environment.

• Comfortable dealing with demanding stakeholders in a calm, service-driven manner.

Bonus if You Have:

• Prior experience in compliance or hybrid compliance-ops roles.

• Passed M5, M9 certifications; LOMA qualifications are a plus.

• Hands-on underwriting experience with authority limit (advantageous).

• Exposure to private banking-style client vetting is highly valued.

Why Join?

• Work closely with the leadership team in a visible, high-impact role.

• Exposure to complex, cross-border HNW life insurance structures.

• Join a collaborative, flexible team culture that values autonomy and ownership.

• Fast-track opportunity for those looking to grow into a leadership or compliance-facing role.